Voters to pick judge candidates for runoffs

LP voters to pick from 3 for open 25th District Court seatBy JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers LINCOLN PARK — The vacancy on the bench at the 25th District Court will be filled by one of three candidates, two of whom will face off in November’s general election.

Longtime 25th District Court Judge Michael Ciungan has chosen not to seek re-election.

Voters will be asked to choose one of three candidates during the primary election Aug. 5. The top two vote-getters will advance to November.

On the ballot are: Todd Barron, a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law, is a former city prosecutor and assistant Wayne County prosecutor with more than 18 years experience in criminal law.

Greg Clifton, a trial attorney with more than 30 years experience, was named the first-ever magistrate of the 25th District Court in 2012. Clifton received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1982.

Nicholas Tsalis, a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law, is a former assistant Wayne County prosecutor and general practice attorney with more than 30 years experience.

A fourth candidate, Bernadette Castro, was reportedly disqualified for not having enough valid signatures on her nominating petition.

The 25th District Court services Lincoln Park, River Rouge and Ecorse.

Challengers seek seat from incumbent in 28th District CourtBy JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers SOUTHGATE — Three judicial candidates, including an incumbent, will vie for an open seat on the 28th District Court bench.

Voters will be asked during the primary election Aug. 5 to select one of the candidates listed on the ballot. The top two vote-getters will compete in the November general election.

Among the candidates, 28th District Court Judge James Kandrevas is one of 16 judges in Michigan facing a primary election contest.

Kandrevas, a veteran jurist, had been sued in 2009 by court employees and was accused of misusing court funds. Kandrevas reportedly invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 200 times during the case, which was eventually settled by the city for $300,000. A separate employee filed a lawsuit against Kandrevas that was settled for $50,000.

Two challengers on the ballot seeking the seat held by Kandrevas are:

Bill Colovos, a Southgate City Council member who previously sought a bench seat in 2008, is a private practice attorney in Southgate specializing in criminal defense.

John Graziani, a Southgate City Council member for more than 12 years and attorney with more than 20 years experience.